In the first Matchweek of 2022 we saw a jam-packed fixture list with games from the North Division, South Division, and action from the ESPFA Cup. We review all the action from #MatchweekTwelve.
NORTH DIVISION
In the North Division, Skelmersdale United moved up to second after a 0-2 win against Ossett United. Two second-half goals from Dominic Evans and Adam Donohue sealed the win which moved them above Brighouse Town in the standings. Ossett United on the other hand remain in fourth place but are level on points with Mickleover, below them in fifth. Division leaders Runcorn Linnets continued their winning run and moved 12 points clear at the top of the North Division after a 10-2 victory over Witton Albion. Seven different students were on the scoresheet for the Linnets in their eighth win from eight games in the division.
SOUTH DIVISION
Rushall Olympic saw both of their cohorts go head-to-head on Thursday in a repeat of their #MatchweekEleven fixture. Rushall Olympic (Amber) came out on top in that match-up with an 8-2 win but it was Rushall Olympic (Black) who were the victors this time, with Elias Myers scoring the only game of the encounter. The Amber cohort started brightly and could have gone 0-1 up in the opening five minutes but an excellent point blank save from Joe Millward denied Tyrese Hall. From there on it was a very even contest with both sides having their fair share of the ball, but neither team could create that clear cut chance in the first half. In the second half it was another well contested half, but Elias Myers broke the deadlock in the 67th minute which turned out to be the winner.
This win for Rushall Olympic (Black) handed the Amber cohort their first defeat of the season so far. After the game, #ESPFAWestMidlands student and Rushall Olympic (Black) said his side were raring to go after the break over Christmas and they deserved the win. He said: “The boys couldn’t wait to get back on to the pitch, we came away with three points which was amazing. It shows we can be in the top teams, and we deserve it really.” His fellow #ESPFAWestMidlands student and Rushall Olympic (Amber) player, Dylan Harris thought his side could have prepared for the game better. He said: “It was hard today, it was definitely tough. I think we could have done a lot more away from college to prepare for the game which I know the other side did and that showed the difference today. I think we didn’t get up to standards, we could have been a lot better. We had chances but didn’t take them and they had a few chances and managed to put one away.”
NORTH CUP
In the North Cup, Belper Town started the year well and picked up their first win of the campaign when they faced Mickleover at home. The Nailers won 3-1 in a great game for the neutral, with Fynn Marshall scoring a brace. The game started at an incredible pace, with the home side launching themselves in front with two goals in the first six minutes. Mickleover managed to peg a goal back in the 10th minute but Fynn Marshall scored his second ten minutes before half time and his side managed to see out the victory. Also in the North Cup, Brighouse Town beat Carlton 4-1 at home to make up for their most recent cup defeat against Skelmersdale United. Paul Ikoe scored a brace with Ethan Donkersley and Amir Smith adding the others to hand Brighouse the victory in their first meeting with Carlton Town this season.
SOUTH CUP
Yate Town continued their cup run this week and played Chesham United who were involved in a cup game for the first time this season. The sides played out a very competitive fixture with some great football on display, but neither side could break the deadlock and the points were shared after the 0-0 draw.
Team of the week
Well done to all the students who were nominated by their coaches for this week’s edition of #TeamOfTheWeek and also a special mention to #ESPFADerbyshire student Fynn Marshall who was chosen as the #PlayerOfTheWeek for #MatchweekTwelve after his superb performance helped Belper Town to their first win of the season.
The Highlights Show
You can catch all of #MatchweekTwelves’s goals and match highlights in this week’s edition of The Highlights Show.